Description: Smylies is best described as "accommodation provider", although this dry label doesn't quite describe the warm welcome and comforts of the actual place. A motel, lodge, cottage or a hostel, Smylies is all or any of those, and according to own website, offers rooms configured into twins, doubles and dorms as well as motel units set up as studios, a two bedroom family unit and a three bedroom cottage. Take your pick, in other words.
We arrived in Springfield after a long and pretty drive through West Coast and Arthur's Pass in September 2010. It was well after dark and we didn't quite know what to expect, but what we were offered was the two-bed family unit, which, although technically a part of the main building (and connecting – through a lockable door - to the cosy communal kitchen), had its own door to the outside (the typical NZ motel glass sliding door with a heavy curtain over it).
We only stayed one night, but I wish we stayed more! The unit was very pleasant, with a simple but pleasant décor with a bit of character (including local old pictures and a few – but not too many – ornaments). The main living area had a feel of a private home rather than a motel, and I liked the very comfortable sofas and the varnished wooden floor rather than a carpet (though the rug was rather tatty). The kettle, toaster and crockery were hidden in a large cabinet with a door (I liked that too, that made the living room appear more like a normal living room).
The bedrooms were very spacious indeed, and the double bad was huge (larger than king size). The unit was well heated by electric, wall mounted panel heaters and auxiliary oil-filled radiators. The bathroom was fine, with a good shower and some nice home-reminding touches like a thick, fluffy, stripy bath mat that did not match the towels.
Smylies is set in a couple of acres space, with grass, flowers, trees (which were covered in blossom during our visit) which make for a generally pleasant impression. I believe they also have a Japanese bath available for visitors (which, to my terrible regret, I had not time to sample) and Japanese meals too, as well as local tours and transport to the ski areas (there are all kinds of packages available).
The proprietors are a Dutch-Japanese couple and they were both very polite, friendly, helpful and informative. The place was relaxed and comfortable, and I would have happily stayed for a few days if we had time.
We paid 130 NZD for a night's accommodation and although it was a little bit more than we paid in Acheron Cottages in Manapouri (by far the best value place we stayed in in NZ), it was still a good value for what we got.
Smylies comes highly recommended for anybody looking for a family accommodation in Springfield or on this (i.e. eastern) side of the Arthur's Pass. I have not had a look at the dorms, but I suspect they are also pretty good!
http://www.smylies.co.nz/index.html
phone 0064-3-3184740
fax 0064-3-3184780
mobile 0274-718109
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